Ceiling Fan Box

[frank_n]

I just cut a hole to put in a Westinghouse old work ceiling fan box. The space between the joists is just under 14". The Westinghouse bars can be collapsed to 14". The box just misses. Does anyone know of another brand of "old work" boxes where the bars could be collapsed to 13.5" inches? Can any of the bars be cut, then re-assembled?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Frank

 

[stickboy1375]

Sure you cant jamb it in? :grin:

 

[mdshunk]

I don't use the old work one's with "bars". I use the grey plastic Westinghouse box that is like a saddle box, but goes on one side of the joist. Great for old work, and for non-standard dimensional lumber.

 

[frank_n]

Sure you cant jamb it in? :grin:

Trust me, I tried

 

[frank_n]

I don't use the old work one's with "bars". I use the grey plastic Westinghouse box that is like a saddle box, but goes on one side of the joist. Great for old work, and for non-standard dimensional lumber.

I like to put the fan exactly in the middle of the room. There wasn't a joist in the middle of the room. Besides, the hole is cut already.

Frank

 

[stickboy1375]

Did you look at Arlingtons old work fan box? I think they are the same minimum opening though...

 

[electricmanscott]

Not sure which bar you have but I have cut them before. Is this an option?

 

[mdshunk]

I like to put the fan exactly in the middle of the room. There wasn't a joist in the middle of the room. Besides, the hole is cut already.

I understand.

Too bad the hole is already cut. I don't think that most people will notice if their fan is 6" off center to the left or right in most rooms.

 

[frank_n]

Not sure which bar you have but I have cut them before. Is this an option?

I have never tried to cut a bar before. Are the bars made to be cut (will I void the listing)?

Frank

 

[stickboy1375]

I have never tried to cut a bar before. Are the bars made to be cut (will I void the listing)?

Frank

Only on this site... :grin:

 

[mdshunk]

Are the bars made to be cut (will I void the listing)?

Of course they aren't, and of course you will. However, in your situation, I sure would try. You basically don't have a choice at this point.

 

[frank_n]

Arlington makes a box that fits between wooden I joists 16" on center. I would think it would collapse smaller then my Westinghouse box.

http://www.aifittings.com/whnew88.htm

Frank

 

[JES2727]

I have never tried to cut a bar before. Are the bars made to be cut (will I void the listing)?

Frank

Frank,
I have cut them before, with a hacksaw. Take it all apart, cut the bar and the screw part, put it all back together. It's a pain in the neck, but easier than patching and painting if you cut a new hole.

 

[mdshunk]

Frank,
I have cut them before, with a hacksaw. Take it all apart, cut the bar and the screw part, put it all back together. It's a pain in the neck, but easier than patching and painting if you cut a new hole.

If the Westinghouse one's are anything like the Reiker one's, you can just take the threaded "caps" out of the end of the tube part, and cut the tube shorter. Then, replace the cap ends.

 

[iwire]

Not sure which bar you have but I have cut them before. Is this an option?

Me too, not much trouble at all.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree cut the bars. If anything the unit is stronger spanning a shorter distance. I can't believe anyone would worry about the listing in that application. Geez......

 

[qcroanoke]

Only on this site... :grin:

Touche' ROFL !!

 

[cschmid]

man all you guys stealing my ideas of bar modification..there goes the million I would make on the odd size custom order business..

 

[iwire]

HEY!

They could not sell hack saws if cutting these bars was a violation. :grin:

 

[cowboyjwc]

What happened to the old days of cutting a 2 x 4 block and nailing it between the joists and then hanging the fan box on that?